Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies are a delightful treat that brightens any day. These cookies pair the zesty flavor of lemons with the crunchy texture of poppy seeds. Enjoy them fresh from the oven, or share them with friends and family for any occasion.
Why Make This Recipe
You should make these cookies because they are both refreshing and easy to prepare. The burst of lemon flavor is uplifting, making them perfect for spring and summer. They are also a unique twist on regular cookies, with poppy seeds adding a pleasant crunch. Plus, they take just a few simple ingredients to create a delicious treat everyone will love.
How to Make Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies
To make these cookies, you’ll need to follow these simple steps.
Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour: 2 ½ cups
- Sugar: 1 cup
- Butter, softened: ½ cup
- Egg: 1
- Lemon juice: 2 tbsp
- Lemon zest: 1 tbsp
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Poppy seeds: 1 tbsp
- Baking soda: ½ tsp
- Salt: ¼ tsp
- Powdered sugar (for glaze): 1 cup
- Lemon juice (for glaze): 2 tbsp
Directions:
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Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until it is light and fluffy.
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Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until combined.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and poppy seeds.
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Mix Together: Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, combining until just blended.
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Form Cookies: Use a spoon to drop spoonfuls of cookie dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them out.
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Bake: Place in a preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden. Let them cool on a wire rack.
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Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with lemon juice to make a smooth glaze.
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Glaze Cookies: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and let it set before serving.
How to Serve Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies
You can serve these cookies as a sweet snack or dessert. They taste great with a cup of tea or coffee. They are perfect for gatherings or just to enjoy at home with family.
How to Store Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies
To store these cookies, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about a week. If you like, you can also freeze them for later enjoyment. Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap before freezing.
Tips to Make Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies
- Make sure your butter is softened at room temperature for the best texture.
- Measure your ingredients accurately for consistent results.
- You can add a bit more lemon zest if you prefer a stronger lemon flavor.
- Check the cookies a minute or two before the suggested time to avoid burning.
Variation (If Any)
If you want to switch things up, consider adding chopped nuts or dried fruit like cranberries for added texture and flavor. You can also experiment with different citrus fruits, like orange, for a different taste.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled lemon juice? Yes, fresh lemon juice works great and adds a brighter flavor.
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Can I replace the poppy seeds with another ingredient? Yes, you can substitute poppy seeds with sesame seeds or omit them entirely if desired.
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How thick should the cookie dough be? The dough should be thick enough to hold its shape when dropped on the baking sheet, but still soft enough to mix easily.
